Association between different levels of maternal vitamin-D status during pregnancy and maternal outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Maternal vitamin-D deficiency is a significant health concern among pregnant women in the Middle East. Vitamin-D deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal outcomes and an increased risk of pregnancy complications. This study aimed to identify the level of vitamin-D during pregnancy and examine the effect of different vitamin-D levels during pregnancy on maternal outcomes. METHODS: A descriptive correctional design was utilized in this research. This study was conducted at the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics at Shaqra general hospital, Saudi Arabia. A purposive sample of 221 pregnant women. Four tools were used: (1) a structured interviewing questionnaire; (2) laboratory records; (3) a vitamin-D risk factors assessment questionnaire; and (4) a follow-up sheet for maternal outcomes. RESULTS: Nearly half of the study sample (46.2%) had insufficient vitamin-D in the blood, 40.3% had sufficient level of vitamin-D, and (13.6%) had a vitamin-D deficiency. The non-modifiable risk factors for vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy were maternal age, dark skin pigmentation, hyperglycemia, anemia, mal-absorption syndrome, and genetic mutation. While the modifiable risk factors were inadequate sun exposure, middle-income status, low vitamin-D diet, obesity, and low consumption of milk products during pregnancy. There was a relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and a vitamin-D deficiency during pregnancy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal vitamin-D deficiency is significantly associated with a high risk for emergency c-section and complications during pregnancy and labor. Preconception intervention programs should focus on raising vitamin-D levels among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia to prevent vitamin-D deficient-linked adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The burden of multiple sclerosis among postpartum women and self management's challenges: Pilot study of supportive program.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the effect of multiple sclerosis supportive programs on mothers' self-management during postpartum. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent group design was utilized. Primigravida pregnant women between 35-37 weeks of gestation and recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis participated in two preparation sessions. While the first session during pregnancy was an open conversation about the delivery, the key topics of the second session were the nature of the postpartum cycle and the expected relapses. RESULTS: Seventy pregnant women with multiple sclerosis participated in this research. Results denoted a statistical difference between both groups regarding self-management in 6th and 12th weeks postpartum. The improvements were related to mothers' relationships with their health care providers and knowledge and information about multiple sclerosis during this transitional phase. On the other hand, there were no differences among both groups related to their levels of functional activities at 6th and 12th weeks postpartum. Although there was a slight deterioration in motor ability score among both groups at 12th week's postpartum, 54.3% of the intervention group vs. 49% of the non-intervention group reported 100% absolute independence. Moreover, the total relapses in the three-month postpartum ranged between 1-6, increasing the frequency of relapses during the three-month postpartum with no statistically significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: Conducting a multidisciplinary program to follow and counsel mothers with MS helps enhance self-management throughout the three-month postpartum period.